From the Director of Faith Formation
Adam Wood
Outward Focused Eyes
I had the privilege to participate in the Year 9 Right Journey Rough Sleepout last Friday evening, at Westcare, in the Adelaide CBD.
Our students engaged in a range of activities, starting with a delicious meal, then learning about many of the circumstances surrounding those experiencing homelessness, hearing firsthand testimony of those who have walked that journey, understanding the work that Westcare provide; and how they, as young students may support and contribute.
As the night progressed, the time came for sleeping rough, outside on the pavement on a thin small mat; we did our best to sleep through the night…
There’s a passage of scripture from Matthew 25 that records for us a parable that Jesus told, in which we find these often-quoted words, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
It’s a charge to look after those around us, extending love, care and compassion to those we encounter.
I like to think of it as having outward-focused eyes; a mindset that is always:
- thinking of others
- putting others first
- serving where there is need
- meeting the request for help
- standing in the gap for the voiceless, the marginalised, the oppressed.
I believe the Bible gives clear instruction on how we ought to act in this regard, that having a mindset that notices others is a key part of our faith in Christ.
1 John 3:18 teaches
18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.’
Following that verse are these challenging words
16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 1 John 3:16-17
James 2:14-17 gives this instruction;
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’
As followers of Jesus, how are we going in that regard?
Is helping the poor an optional extra or a key imperative?
Do we notice others when it is convenient, or at all times?
As I lay in my sleeping bag throughout the night of the rough sleep out, I found myself challenged in this regard.
However, it is more than just noticing those we may see sleeping rough on our city streets; it is also noticing those:
- in our school
- church
social communities
who are ‘invisible’. Those who have few, if any, obvious friends.
The individual who never connects over coffee at the end of the service, instead rushing out the door.
The one who we’d love to get to know more but never invite into our inner circle.
May we be those who notice others, who have outward-focused eyes.
Do the practical things, give where you can; serve, when possible, think of others, speak and stand up for the voiceless. Yes, and amen!
But also, would you be bold to ask God to show you who might be feeling unseen amongst the busyness of our world.
You may be the one, in whom noticing others may bring untold hope, love, and compassion into their life and circumstances.
In our efforts to bring about change, in holding a posture of an outward focus, remember that as we do so, we are doing as unto the Lord.
‘Father, equip us with courage to follow where you lead. Give us boldness to seek your prompting, and a keenness of heart to hear the Spirit’s gentle voice. May we see others as you see them, your creation that is made in your image. Help us to obey the command of Jesus, to love others, show generosity, be advocates for, and be compassionate towards all those we meet, for the glory of Your name. Amen.’
Adam Wood
Director of Faith Formation